The 2011 film 'The Artist' is a silent, black and white film that depicts the lives of a declining actor named George Valentin, played by Jean Dujardin, and a rising actress named Peppy Miller, portrayed by Berenice Bejo, in Hollywood in the late 1920s. Around that time, silent films began to be phased out and were soon replaced by 'talkies,' or movies with dialogue. James Cromwell plays Valentin's driver, Clifton, while Penelope Ann Miller portrays the silent film actor's wife, Doris. The movie also stars John Goodman as producer Al Zimmer. (Pictured: Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo appear in a promotional photo for the 2011 movie 'The Artist.') (The Weinstein Company)

"The Artist" depicts the lives of a veteran actor named George Valentin, played by Jean Dujardin, and a rising actress named Peppy Miller, portrayed by Berenice Bejo, in Hollywood in the late 1920s. Around that time, silent films began to be phased out and were soon replaced by 'talkies,' or movies with dialogue.

James Cromwell plays Valentin's driver, Clifton, while Penelope Ann Miller portrays the silent film actor's wife, Doris. The movie also stars John Goodman as producer Al Zimmer. Another star of the movie is Uggie, a Jack Russell terrier.